Here is a photo of 2 baskets i got at family dollar for 5 bucks each.
im planing on making them into herb baskets .. line the inside with
some 6 mil poly and some potting mix and toss in some herb seeds
of different flavors , 2 herbs i have up now are Licorish mint and
cinnimon basil. Im thinking of selling these for 20 to 25 dollars
with the herbs aprox 4 to 6 inch tall.
Any input you have feel free to shoot it this way ..
Hints .. Tips .. Other Herbs to add .. ( theres plenty of room )
Herb Basket
A photo would be nice huh ... Duh!!!
Sounds good, and it's deep enough that your herbs should be quite happy. Plastic is probably a better idea than spaghnum moss etc, as the basket won't dry out as fast.
Depending on where you're selling them, you might try sowing more common herbs along with the ones you mentioned. Seems to me that those most likely to buy a pre-planted basket aren't going to be familiar with more exotic varieties and would appreciate having kitchen basics like thyme & oregano, maybea couple of different varieties of basil (sweet Genovese, small leaved variety like 'Spicy Globe', maybe a purple or lemon variety).
I think critterologist has made very solid points, which I share.
Having grown several herbs from seed for the first time last year, I am concerned about how quickly portions of the herb basket may require repotting by the customer. Many common herbs (basil, dill, coriander, parsley) can easily grow to a 12" height or more; thyme tends to be a bit shorter. If the customer isn't afraid to harvest, though, this planter should be a longterm hit!
Also, for as much as my family loves basil as a seasoning, they nearly revolted when I brought one of the plants in for overwintering. It is way too strong to keep in the main living areas when one is relying on central air (heat or air conditioning, as appropriate) to regulate indoor temps. Needless to say, I quickly harvested from and then composted my healthy basil plant. ;)
Good luck!
Donna
I just re-read your post, Sparky, and realized you were talking about sowing directly into the basket. I always start my herbs separately and let them grow a nice-sized rootball before setting them out in the garden or planting them into a larger container.
For most herbs, I like to use Tom DeBaggio's "clump transplanting" method. He sows seed fairly thickly in shallow containers, in rows spaced about an inch apart. Cover with plastic wrap or lid until you see the first sign of sprouting, then take off the lid and put them under lights. When the seedlings get their first set of "true" leaves, it's time to transplant. I favor the 6-cell packs that run 48 cells to a flat. Here's a description of Tom's method, in my own words:
Break out a large clump of seedlings from the row, and gently break out smaller clumps of 3 to 5 seedlings. Choose clumps that seem to break away naturally. It defeats the purpose of this method to prick out individual seedlings and then gather them into clumps. Don't touch the delicate stems; just handle the rootball or hold them by their leaves. Make a hole with your finger or a pencil, and lower the clump of seedlings into the hole. Bury the seedlings more deeply than they were growing in the starting tray. You can plant them deeply enough that the lower set of nurse leaves (cotyledons, the ones that open before the first "true leaves") are covered and only the true leaves are above the soil surface. This makes for a stronger, stockier seedling that will also be able to stand on its own when you water it in.
When the clump of seedlings has filled the cell or pot with roots, then (and only then) it is ready to be hardened off and planted out.
Good luck, and have fun with your project!
I was thinking of sowing in the basket but thought doing transplants
like you said would be better. Then i can just transfer good healthy
seedling into the basket.
the two herbs i got going now (exotic i take it ) were mostly for me.
Im very new to the Herbs and only have a vague idea of what to
plant in the baskets. I normaly just hit the spice rack in the store
when i need something.
On lining it with plastic I wasnt thinking of it drying out, but more
on watering and having it run out the bottom of the basket and
all over the place .
So what would you all suggest for the basket that wouldnt
grow like a weed on steriods and over take the basket ?
I know mints would kinda be out of the question
becouse the ones i have in soil now are like weeds
(mint and peppernint)
?????
dill
chives
Oh, gee, definitely poke some holes in that plastic liner! It's really tough to water just enough and no more, and the one thing containers need is good drainage! You'll just have to put something under the basket, or put it out on the porch of somethings where water running out isn't a problem.
Mints aren't out of the question if you think in terms of doing a whole basket with mints, which come in so many varieties. Otherwise, think basil, thyme, and oregano, as those are probably the herbs most people are familiar with. Chives should be OK, but for dill I'd only consider the 'Fernleaf' variety as others will get much too big. You might want to stick to more compact varieties of basil, like 'Spicy Globe', as the large leaved Genovese types can get pretty tall.
Why not just experiment with these baskets for your own use this year? After you have some experience with growing & harvesting herbs, you'll have a better idea of what works, and you'll be better able to advise your customers too.
Since you said you're new to herbs, I'd recommend Tom DeBaggio's Book, _Growing Herbs from Seed, Cutting, & Root_. Look for my review in Garden Bookworm. Great book!
BTW, your baskets would also work well for a lettuce mix, grown cut-and-come-again style.